Apparatus for breaking material



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June 15, 1937. R. w. DULI.

. APPARATUS FOR BREAKING MATERIAL Filed April 5, 1934 R. w. DULL 2,083,697

Filed April 5. 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 PPARATUS FOR BREAKING MATERIAL June 1,5, 1937.

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June 15, 1937. R. w. DULL APPARATUS FOR BREAKING MATERIAL Filed April 5, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented June 15, 1937 UNITED STATES APPARATUS FOR BREAKING MATERIAL Raymond W. Dull, La Grange, Ill., assignor to Safety Mining Company, a corporation of Illinois Application April 5, 1934, Serial No. 719,109

42 Claims.

This invention is concerned with methods and means used for the performance of work such as is ordinarily referred tol as blasting and for which some form of explosive is ordinarily used.

5 Thus, the invention is concerned with methods and means for disrupting or breaking materials of various kinds, although more particularly to such means suited for the breaking of coal as a step in normal mining operations.

i "I'he principal object of the invention is to improve the efficiency of apparatus of this general character and to increase the flexibility of use of both the apparatus and the methods according to which it is employed.

15 Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view in longitudinal section illustrating the one form of cartridge embodying the invention,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal 50 section illustrating a slight modification of the structure shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a detail perspective view of one of the parts used in the construction of Figures l and 2,

l5 Figure 4 is a view in longitudinal section illustrating an important modication of the method and apparatus,

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a coal face showing a cartridge according to Figure 4 posii0 tioned in a suitable drill hole,

Figure 6 is a view in longitudinal section illustrating a further important modification of both the apparatus and its method of use, the latter being illustrated more particularly in Figure 8 35 whichshows a device according to Figure 6 in position in a drill hole formed in a coal face,

f Figure '7 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section illustrating on a'n enlarged scale the vital mechanism of the device shown in Figure 6,

10 Figure 9 is a view in longitudinal section illustrating a structural `variation of the device shown in Figure 1,

Figure 10i is a view in longitudinal section illustrating a multiple unit designed for carrying I out an alternative method of operation,

Figure 11 is a sectional view through a coal face illustrating in conjunction therewith a cartridge of the type shown in Figure 10,

30 Figures l2 and 13 are views in longitudinal section illustrating further modifications of the invention which presents still a` further method of operation.

Figure 14 is a view in longitudinal section of a i5 cartridge substantially the same as that illustrated in Figure 9, but adapted for an entirely different mode of operation.

Figure 15 illustrates a further modification of the structure shown in Figure 9,

Figure 16 is a view in longitudinal section illus- 5 trating a structural variation which is applicable to the devices shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 9,

10 and 14.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a cylindrical container I having a terminal cap 2 and a 10 discharge end 3. The discharge end 3 is provided with an axial extension of reduced diameter as indicated at 4, thus defining an annular space between it and the opposed interior Wall of the container I. The sleeve valve member 5 has 15 a close sliding t on the cylindrical surface of the extension 4 and in the cylindrical bore of the container I. A suitable packing 6 is provided on the valve member 5 to prevent leakage in one direction between the valve member and the con- 20 tainer and a similar packing 'I is provided on the extension 4 to prevent leakage in an opposite direction between the internal wall of the valve member 5 and the cylindrical surface of the extension 4. The valve member 4 is formed with 25 a tapered end as indicated at 9, which end is adapted to have sealing engagement with the surface 8 which denes the discharge orifice of the container. It will be noted that the container I is provided with a plurality of radial discharge ports 25 which are placed in communication with the discharge orice and hence with the main chamber 24 of the container when the valve member 5 is in retracted position. The rear end of the valve member 5 in conjunction 35 with the opposed surface of discharge member 3 forms a pocket I6. This pocket has two ports I5 and I1 communicating therewith, the port I5 providing for the introduction of high pressure air or gas into the pocket IB and the port 40 I1, in conjunction with port I8 and check valve 20 serving to permit the passage of high pressure air or gas from the pocket I6 into the main chamber 24. It will be observed, however, that the check valve 20 precludes the passage of gas from the chamber 24 back into the pocket I6. An axial passage I4 formed in the extension 4 communicates at one end with the transverse passage I5 and at its opposite end with a supply pipe I3 which extends throughout the length of the container.

i The'terminal cap 2 is provided with a packing gland I2 and packing nut I I adapted to receive and seal the end of pipe I3. The nut II is further adapted to receive a suitable connection carried by the main supply pipe I0.

The operation of this device is as follows: The main supply pipe I 0 being connected to a source of high pressure gas located at some remote point serves to introduce the compressed fluid medium, whatever it may be, into the pipe I3, which in turn conveys the same to the passage I4 formed in the extension 4. The fluid medium then passes through ports I5 into the pocket I6, resulting immediately in the development of pressure in pocket I6 acting upon the sleeve valve member 5 to force it into sealing engagement as indicated at 8. Simultaneously.

7 the compressed uid medium passes from the pocket WI6 through passages I'I and I8 around ball check20 and into the main chamber 24. In this way a charge of desired pressure may be introduced into the main chamber 24 of the container. When the charge reaches a desired value, whether it be a pressure of or 10,000 pounds per square inch, the valve Il may be moved into open position at the will of the operator by merely exhausting the main supply pipe I0 to the atmosphere at some point, preferably adjacent the source of supply. The venting of the main supply pipe to the atmosphere naturally results in a reduction of pressure in the pocket I6, which pressure eventually will fall below the value requiredn to hold the valve 5 in closed position. The force acting to hold the valve in closed position is, of course, a. function of the pressure in pocket I6 and the area of valve 5 which is exposed to this pressure. On the other hand, the opening movement of the valve is a function of the pressure contained in the main chamber of the container and of the area of the valve member inwardly of the line of contact 8 which is exposed to this pressure. It will be observed that there is only a very small area of the valve member exposed to pressure from within the container. The result of this relationship of areas is that the pressure in pocket I6 must be reduced to a very low point before the pressure acting upon the small area of the valve from Within the container is sufficient to move the valve toward open position. It should be understood, however, that this relationship of areas may be varied either by increasing or decreasing the area exposed to pressure from within the container or by increasing or decreasing the area exposed to pressure Within the pocket I6.

The check valve which governs the introduction of the compressed fluid medium from the pocket I6 into the main chamber of the container, consists of a pocket I9 in which a ball 20 of suitable proportions is positioned and a nut 22 having an axial passage 2|. Referring to Figure 3, it will be observed that the inner end of the nut 22 is slotted as shown at 23 in order to prevent sealing of the passage 2l by the ball. T hus, when the pressure in pocket I6 exceeds that in chamber 24, the ball 20 will engage the end of nut 22 and permit the free ow of the compressed iiuid medium from passage I 6 through passage 2|, but when the pressure in pocket I6 falls below that in chamber 24, the ball automatically seals the end of passage I8, thus preventing a reversal of the ilow.

It should be pointed out in this connection that the location of the check valve as shown is not essential. For example, the ports I I and I8 and the entire check valve assembly might be entirely omitted and in lieu thereof a check valve of any suitable design could be incorporated at any desired pointY in the pipe I3 or could be built into the terminal cap 2 with a suitable port connection communicating with the interior of the pipe I 3. In either case the operation would be the same as that described above.

Figure 2 illustrates a modification of the structure shown in Figure l, principally as regards the vital relationship of areas of the valve member. In this case, the discharge end of the container is provided With a cap 30 which carries a plug 26 corresponding in general to the extension t of the cap member 3 in Figure l, but of substantially smaller diameter. Also, for purposes of assembly, the plug 26 is constructed as a separate partV and has threaded connection withV the cap 30. This construction permits the valve member 3| to be provided with substantially larger area exposed to pressure in pocket I6 than is true of Figure 1. Hence, assuming that the areaL of the valve member 3I` which is exposed to the pressure in chamber 24, is the same as Figure l, a much greater reduction in pressure in the pocket I6 will be required in this construction than in the construction shown in Figure 1 because ofY the substantially greater area of the valve member which is exposed to pressure in the pocket I6 in the Figure 2 construction. As indicated above, however, this relation may be varied within rather wide limits to accomplish the desired operating characteristics for different conditions.

The construction shown in Figure 4 was designed to meet a special problem, namely that of efiiciently applying the maximum amount of high pressure air in cases where rigid limitations exist as to the outside diameter of the container. In other words, where it is necessary that the container be of the smallest practical outside diameter, it may in many such cases be a considerable problem to provide the quantity of high pressure gas required to perform the work within such limitations. It is possible, of course, to increase the length of the container substantially within practical limits, but difficulty arises due to the fact that there is a distinct limit to the volume of high pressure gas which can be applied to the work through a single discharge orifice of the maximum diameter obtainable in a container of relatively small outside diameter. The speed of application of the form of energy under consideration is an all important factor and this, of course, is determined by the relation between the volume of energy to be applied and the diameter of the discharge orice through which it must be applied. In this connection it may be Well to mention that the various forms of invention herein disclosed contemplate the use of compressed air or other suitable gas at pressures ranging from 4,000 or 5,000 pounds up to 10,000 or 12,000 pounds per square inch, although these are not necessarily the limits.

Thus, it has been found desirable to provide a cartridge of considerable length but of relatively small outside diameter which can be effectively divided into two distinct cartridges, each having its own maximum area of discharge orice and both being subject to common control as regards charging and discharging. Such a cartridge is illustrated in Figure 5 in relation to a face ofcoal. This device takes the form of two distinct cartridges, coupled by aconnector 36 and each having discharge ports 25. A supply pipe I0 may be connected to one end of this long container and extend back to a remote source of supply.

The construction of .this cartridge as illus- `trated in Figure 4 involves two cylindrical containers I, joined at adjacent ends by a threaded connector 36 and having in their opposed ends caps 2 and 35. Each cartridge is in most respects the same as the cartridge illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, the threaded connector 36 carries a pair of plugs 26 on which are slidably supported two valve-members of the design shown in Figure 2. The supply of high pressure air or gas is provided for the rst of the cartridges by the main supply pipe I and the pipe I3 which extends throughout kthe length of this cartridge. The chamber I6 in the first cartridge, however, is in communication through passage 40 formed in the connector 36 with chamber I6 of the second cartridge. The charging of the main chamber 24 of the second cartridge is accomplished through ports I1, I4 and ball check 22. Thus, the passage of high pressure air from pipe I0 through pipe I3 serves to introduce pressure into ,both of the chambers I6, thereby moving the two sleeve valves into closed position and also to introducea charge of desired value into the main chambers 24 of the two cartridges. The discharge of the, multiple cartridge arrangement is effected in the same manner `as for a single cartridge, that is, by simply reducing the pressure in the main supply line Ill which results in a practically simultaneous reduction of pressure in the two chambers I6 to a point permitting the two sleeve valve members to move into openposition. It will be observed in this connection that each section of the multiple device has its own discharge orifice leading from the main chamber 24 which orifice is of the maximum diameter obtainable in a container of the outside diameter shown. Hence, a charge of a compressed fluid medium inr the chambers 24 may be 'exhausted with the greatest possible speed and hence with thergreatest eiiiciency in terms of work performed.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a further form of multiple discharge cartridge. Referring rst to Figure 8, it will be observed that the cartridge is positioned in adrill hole formed in the material to be broken with one series of discharge ports positioned justma short distance in from the mouth of the drill hole, a second series of discharge ports positioned approximately midway between the first series and the-end of the drill hole and a third series of discharge ports posil tioned approximately at the end of the hole. The object of this arrangement is to divide the total amount of energy available in a cartridge of a, given length and diameter into a plurality of distinct charges and-to apply these charges n at different points along the length of the drill hole in suchua manner that it has a definite burden to carry. It will be observed from Figures 6 and 8 thatthe charge containing chambers are graduated in such a manner as to proi vide variable amounts of energy approximately in proportion to the amount of work to be done at the several points. Referring to Figure 6, it will be noted that thecartridge consists of three separate chambers 4I, 42 and 43, the i'lrst two i being connected by discharge assembly 45.. and the second two by another discharge assembly 45, the remote end of the third chamber being provided with a nal discharge assembly 46. A suitable plug 44 closes the front end of the assembly and provides for connection with a supply pipe III. A supply pipe 56 extends from the plug 44 into the rst discharge assembly, a supply pipe 5I extends between the iirst and second discharge assemblies and a supply pipe 52 extends between the third and final discharge assembly. The discharge assemblies themselves are similar in many respects to those above described, but differ in some details which will be observed on reference to Figure '1. Thus, the -valve is in the form of a plug 54 slidable in a. bore formed in the discharge cap 45 and has sealing engagement with the edge 56 of a collar 55. The plug 54 is provided with a plurality of ports 58 extending parallel to the axis thereof, which ports are under the control of a check valve consisting of disc 51 and spring 33. The valve plug 54 is also provided with a sealing member consisting of cup leather 60 and keeper 59. The valve assembly has slidable engagement with a supply pipe 50. Thus, the passage of high pressure air into and through the pipe 50 results in the development of a pressure behind the plug valve 54 resulting in movement thereof into sealing engagement with the edge 56 of the cap 55. This action is followed immediately by the passage of high pressure air from behind the plug valve through the several ports 58 and past the check valve 51 into the main chamber of the cartridge. It will be observed that the supply pipe 5I for the second unit communicates with the chamber rearwardly of the rst plug valve 54 thereby conducting high pressure air into the second valve assembly. Similar connections exist as between the second and third or nal valve assemblies. Thus, there is simultaneous charging and discharging of the three distinct charges of high pressure gas contained in the chambers 41, 48 and 49. This arrangement, in addition to providing a desirable distribution of energy to the work to be performed, also provides the most eflicient relation of volume to area of discharge orice for a cartridge of a given outside diameter.

Figure 9 illustrates a, further structural modication of the cartridge illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, the entire valve assembly is incorporated in the discharge cap 62. The assembly is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 2. Thus, the discharge cap is provided with an end member 63 which has an extension 4 of reduced diameter on which the sleeve valve member 64 is slidably positioned. This valve member is adapted to have sealing engagement as indicated at 8 with a shoulder formed in the discharge cap. There is provided, as in the preceding forms, sealing devices 6 and 1 for maintaining a leak proof relation between the sleeve valve member and the discharge cap and extension 4 respectively. The discharge ports 25 in this forrn of the invention are inclined rearwardly with respect to the axis of the cartridge for the purpose of providing in use a reaction tending to hold the cartridge to its work.

Figure illustrates an adaptation of the cartridge structure shown in Figure 9 to a multiple unit arrangement. This multiple unit consists of the two containers 6I having chambers 24 and connected at adjacent ends by a coupling member 69. This coupling member forms a part of the discharge cap assembly 68 of the second unit and o this extent takes the place of the end member 63 as shown in Figure 9. It is believed that the construction of the units making up this combined arrangement will be readily appreciated from the description of preceding structures.

In operation, high pressure gas flowing through pipe I0 passes into the pocket I8 of the first discharge assembly and also through pipe I3 to the correspondingpocket of the second discharge assembly. From the pocket I6 of the first discharge assembly, the gas passes through the ports shown and check valve 22 into the first chamber 24 and similarly from the pocket of the second discharge assembly, the gas passes through ports and check valve 22 into the second chamber 29. The venting of the main supply pipe |0 to the atmosphere results in reduction of pressure in the two control pockets ,I8 and consequently the opening of the two valve members 64, thus causing simultaneous discharge from the two main chambers.

The construction illustrated in Figure 10 is designed for use in the manner shown in Figure l1. It will be observed that the drill hole 31 extends substantially beyond the depth of the undercut 39. This extra length of drill hole accommodates the second cartridge assembly, locating the discharge thereof at a point approximately over the end of the undercut. This brings the discharge end of the first assembly at a point midway between the face andthe depth of the undercut, thus dividing the burden into two approximately equal amounts. This arrangement accomplishes the purposes discussed in connection with Figures 4 and 5. in addition to a division of both the charges of energy and the burdens to be handled by them.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate two alternative constructions designed specifically for the purpose of providing a larger volume of energy than can be applied with any cartridge which is conned entirely within the drill hole. Thus, referring to Figure 12 it is contemplated that the main body of the cartridge 1| will be of a diameter to enter into and occupy substantially the full length of a normal drill hole. In order to provide a greater capacity than can be obtained Within the confines of the drill hole, there is addedto the main cartridge body 1| a secondary casing 12 which may be of any suitable length and diameter to provide a desired amount of energy. The body 1| isprovided with a discharge cap 13 having a. plurality of rearwardly inclined discharge ports |0I. A valve rod 15 extends throughout the length of the device carrying on one end a plunger 18, at its opposite end having sliding arrangement with a bore |03 formed in the discharge cap and at a point adjacent its outer end carrying a valve 16 designed to have sealing engagement with the surface 11 immediately surrounding the discharge orifice formed in body 1I. The plunger 18 has a limited sliding movement between the head 14 and the shoulder 19. The chambers 80 and 8| combine to provide a desired charge receiving capacity for the unit. In order to operate this device it is merely necessary to introduce high pressure air at the point |06 until a desired charge has been introduced into the chambers and 8| and to then introduce high pressure air or gas into the chamber 82 on the opposite side of the plunger 18 either from the chamber 8| or from an independent source of supply. The introduction of pressure into the chamber 8| results in movement of the valve 16 to sealing position by reason of the action of the pressure on the large area of the plunger 18. When, however, a corresponding pressure is applied to the reverse face of the plunger 18 the valve will be instantly moved to open position by reason of the fact that the cross sectional area of the valve rod 15 detracts from the eective area of plunger 18 on the one side, but, of course, not on the other.

`A special device is provided for causing the introduction of high pressure gas into the device at the point |06 and thereafter transferring compressed gas from the chamber 8| to the reverse side of plunger 18, all subject to control from a remote point. This device consists of a casing 85, in which is positioned a valve member 81 adapted to have sealing engagement with the plug 86 as indicated at 89. This valve member, however, has an axial passage 91 which is exclusively in communication with the passage 98 when the valve member is so sealed. A plunger 88 with suitable packing is secured to the valve member 81 and has sliding engagement in the cylindrical bore formed in casing 85. A check valve consisting of spring 96 and ball 94 serves to permit the flow of high pressure gas from the supply pipe 92 and chamber 93 into the passage 91, but prevents ow in the reverse direction. A heavy coil spring 89 acts upon the valve and plunger assembly in a direction to move it out of sealing engagement with the surface 99. The supply pipe 92 may extend back to a remote source of supply at which point there may be provided in the line a suitable valve 9| designed to permit flow of high pressure gas from the pipe 90 connected with a source of supply to the pipe 92 leading to the control device or to cut off the flow from pipe 90 to pipe 92 and to vent the pipe 92 to the atmosphere. Assuming that the valve 9| is positioned to permit free flow from pipe 90 through pipe 92, it will be observed that the introduction of high pressure gas into the chamber 93 results first in a pressure acting upon the plunger 88 in a direction to force the valve member 81 into sealing engagement with surface 99 and secondly to pass high pressure gas around the ball check valve 94 through passage 91 and 98 into the chamber 8| at the point |06. When the charge has reached a desired value and the valve 9| is adjusted to cut off the flow from 90 to 92 and to exhaust pipe 92 to the atmosphere, the result will be an immediate reduction of pressure in the chamber 93 to a point where a spring 89 serves to move the valve and plunger assembly toward the right, thus breaking the seal between the Valve and the surface 99. Under these circumstances high pressure air flows from the chamber 8| through the tubing connected to plug 86. into the chamber |00 and thence through the tubing leading therefrom to the chamber 82 on the opposite side of the plunger 18. In this way, the valve 16 is quickly moved toward open position. f

Figure 13 discloses a device which is identical to that shown in Figure 12 except as regards the discharge assembly. In this case, the discharge cap is dispensed with and the valve |08 carried by valve rod 15 is designed to have sealing engagement with the edge |05 of the casing 1|. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide the greatest possible area of discharge orilce in view of the unusually large volumetric capacity of the combined chambers 80 and 9|.

It should be pointed out in connection with all forms ofthe invention herein disclosed that the valve which controls the discharge opens in the direction of the ow of high pressure gas from the cartridge. 'I'he opening movement of the valve is thus facilitated and made more certain.

The various devices hereinabove described are all designed for charging from a remote point after having been positioned in or adjacent the material to be acted upon. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the adaptability of these various devices to use under circumstances Where it is necessary or advisable that they be fully charged before being placed in operative relation to the work. Thus, in Figure 14 there is shown a cartridge similar in all respects to that shown in Figure 9 except that the terminal cap ||2 embodies a charging valve |26, by means of which a charge 10 of high pressure gas may be introduced into the cartridge at some central charging point and the cartridge may be then transported to the point of use. 'I'here is also shown in Figure 14 a form of device for actuating the cartridge which has been l5 thus precharged. This device consists of a casing I I4 in which is positioned a plunger I I6 having a YstemJ ISIdesigned to engage and unseata pressure operated valve |23. The unseating of this valve permits the control pocket I6 to be 20 vented to the atmosphere through the connecting pipe I3 and the exhaust ports |29 formed in the control device. The plunger ||6 may be actuated either pneumatically, hydraulically or otherwise through a suitable connection as indi- 25 cated at |33 and |34.

Figure 15 illustrates an alternative form of control device for a cartridge of the type shown in Figure 14. In this case, the pipe I I3 has communication with a pocket which is normally sealed 30 by a small rupturable disc |45. This disc may be destroyedat will by a detonator |42 carried by a detonator block |40. When the disc is so destroyed the pipe I3 may be vented to the atmosphere through a plurality of exhaust ports 35 |4'| formed in the block |40 and ports |49 formed in the terminal cap. The detonator block |40 must be assembled on the cartridge at the time of charging in order that the'disc |45 may be firmly sealed to prevent the escape of gas from 40 the pipe I3. When the cartridge is ready for use it is merely necessary to insert a detonator |42, the leads |44 of which may be extended to any remote point for operation and to then apply to the block |40 a small nut |43 which serves to hold 45 the detonator against accidental displacement.

In using a cartridge of the type illustrated in several of the preceding figures, it may be found desirable in some instances to reversethe position of the cartridge in the drill hole in such a 50 manner that the discharge end thereof will extend toward the open e'nd of the hole. In this event it will be desirable that the supply of high pressure gas be introduced into the cartridge through this discharge end. The adaptability of 55 the various devices to this situation is illustrated in Figure 16 in which the supply pipe is connected to the plug |54 in the end of the discharge cap |52. A passage |55 and a communicating passage I5 conduct the gas from the source 60 of supply into the control pocket back of the valve member and this gas is permitted to pass from the control pocket into the main chamber of the cartridges through ports I'I and I 8 and check valve 22. It will be observed in this connection 65 that the discharge ports |56 are inclined in an opposite direction to those shown in Figure 9. This. of course, is due to the reverse position of the cartridge in the drill hole and, of course, the result is that the gas issuing from these inclined 70 ports and acting upon the surrounding material will produce a reaction tending to project the cartridge farther toward the closed end of the hole. While the manner of introducing the supply of high pressure gas directly into the dis- 75 charge end of the cartridge is illustrated in connection with only one form thereof, it is to be understood that this arrangement may be applied with equal facility to the various other forms shown.

I claim: I

1. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid at blasting pressure and having an orifice through which such fluid may be discharged, and a uid pressure controlled valve for retaining the pressure in said container and for releasing the pressure consisting of a single movable part for governing said orifice, said valve being positioned entirely at the discharge end of said container adjacent said orifice.

2. A blasting cartridge comprising a container Vadapted to be charged with air/compressed fluid at blasting pressure and having an orifice through which such iiuid may be discharged, and a fluid pressure controlled valve for retaining the pressure in said container 'and for releasing the pressure consisting of a slidable sleeve for governing said orice.

3. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid at blasting pressure and having intermediate its ends an orifice through which such fluid may be discharged, and a fluid pressure controlled valve for retaining the pressure in said container and for discharging the pressure. said valve positoned in said container between said orice and the adjacent end of said container.

4. A container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid and having intermediate its ends an orifice through which such :duid may be discharged, and a fluid pressure controlled valve positioned in said container between said orii-lce and the adjacent end of said container, said valve consisting of a sleeve slidable in said container and adapted to have sealing engagement with the surface immediately surrounding said orice.

5. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid at blasting pressure and having an orice through which such fluid may be discharged, and a uid pressure controlled valve for retaining the pressure in said container and for discharging the pressure, said valve consisting of a single movable part for governing said orilce, said valve being positioned entirely at the discharge end of said container adjacent said orifice, and means for conducting fluid pressure from the opposite end of said container to actuate and control said valve and charge said container.

6. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid at blasting pressure and having an orice through which such uid may be discharged, and a iluid pressure controlled valve for retaining the pressure in said container and for discharging the pressure, said valve consisting of a single movable part for governing said orifice, said valve being positioned entirely at the discharge end of said container adjacent said orifice, and means whereby fluid pressure may be conducted from the opposite end of said container as desired to actuate and control said valve and to charge said container.

'7. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed uid at blasting pressure, a closure for one end of the container, and a discharge cap associated with the opposite end of said container and embodying fluid pressure controlled valve means for governing charging and discharging of said container, said valve means normally held closed by the action of fluid pressure thereon.

8. A container of relatively great length and relatively small diameter, means dividing said container into two or more separate chambers adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid. each chamber having a discharge orifice, a fluid pressure controlled lvalve means for governing posite end thereof projecting out of the drill hole,

a larger container secured to said projecting end and forming with the first said container a chamber of large volumetric capacity, means in said second chamber for governing operation of said valve, and means for charging and discharging said container.

10. In a blasting cartridge, a casing having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a conduit extending from the outer end of said casing to adjacent the inner end thereof, a bore formed Within the inner end of said casing with the interior of which said conduit communicates, a piston reciprocable within said bore, and a valve actuated by said piston for controlling the release o f blasting pressure from said chamber.

11. In a blasting cartridge, a tubular shell having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a bore formed Within the inner end of said shell and communicable with said chamber, pressure release passages communicating with said bore, a head for the outer end of said shell, a cap for the inner end of said bore, a conduit secured within said outer head and extending axially through said pressure chamber into said bore, a piston reciprocable within said bore, a valve actuated by said piston for controlling the release of the blasting charge from said chamber through said bore and said pressure release passages, said valve and piston having axial openings through which said conduit extends.

12. In a blasting cartridge; a casing having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a valve mechanism arranged at the inner end of said casing and including a valve for controlling release of the charge, and charge supplying vmeans communicable with said casing at a point beyond said valve in an inward direction.

I3. In a blasting cartridge, a casinghaving a chamberfor receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a valve mechanism arranged at the inner end of said casing and comprising a valve element movable axially of said cartridge to eiect release of the blasting charge, and a gas supply conduit extending through said valve.

14. In a blasting cartridge, a casing having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a valve mechanism arranged at theinner end of said casing and comprising a valve element movable axially of said cartridge to effect release of the blastingy charge, and a stationary ga-s supply pipe extending through said valve.

15. In a blasting cartridge, a casing having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a valve for controlling the release of pressure from said casing, pressure discharge passages at the inner end of said casing, a bore formed within the end of this casing and connectible with said chamber, and a piston reciprocable in said bore for actuating said valve.

16. In a blasting cartridge, a cylindrical shell having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a bore formed within the inner end of said casing and communicable with said chamber, pressure release passages communicable with said bore, a piston reciprocable within said bore, and a valve actuated by said piston for controlling the release of the blasting charge from said chamber through said pressure release passages.

17. In a blasting cartridge, a reusable container having chambers for receiving and conning gaseous blasting charges of relatively dif* ferent Work performing capacities, and charge releasing means for simultaneously discharging said gaseous charges from said chambers through ports located at different points along the length of the container.

18. In a blasting cartridge, a reusable container having a plurality of chambers for receiving blasting charges of gas at a predetermined blasting pressure, each of said chambers having a discharge port, and means for eiecting simul taneous discharge of said charges from said chambers through said ports.

19. In a blasting cartridge, a container having a plurality of chambers for receiving blasting charges of high pressure gas at a predetermined blasting pressure, each chamber having a discharge orifice, said discharge orifices spaced at dierent points longitudinally of the container, and means for effecting discharge of the blasting charges through said orices. J 20. In a blasting cartridge, a container having a plurality of chambers for receiving blasting charges of high pressure gas at a predetermined blasting pressure, each chamber having a discharge orifice, said discharge orifices spaced at different points longitudinally of the container, and means for effecting simultaneous discharge of the blasting charges through said orices.

21. In a blasting cartridge, a casing having a chamber for receiving a charge of highly compressed gas, a valve mechanism arranged Within the inner end of said casing and comprising a valve element movable toward the inner end of the cartridge to eiect release of the blasting charge from said chamber, and means for charging said cartridge, the charging pressure acting on said valve element to maintain the latter closed.

22. In a blasting cartridge, a container for re ceiving a blasting charge, and means embodied within an end of the container for discharging the blasting charge comprising an end seating sleeve valve opening outwardly in the direction of discharge, and means for eiecting opening of said valve at the operators will.

23. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, and means embodied within an end of the container for discharging the blasting charge comprising an end seating valve opening outwardly in the direction of discharge, and means for effecting opening of said valve'at the operators Will and irrespective of the pressure in the container.

24. In a blasting cartridge, a container having a plurality of charge receiving chambers, a discharge device for each chamber, and means for simultaneously charging said chambers and for effecting release of said discharge devices.

aosaee? 7 25. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, a discharge orifice at one end of the cartridge, and a valve mechanism retained closed and moved to open position by differential fluid pressure embodied wholly Within said end of the cartridge for eifecting release of the blasting charge through said discharge orifice.

26. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, a discharge orifice at 10 one end of the cartridge, and a valve mechanism retained closed and moved to open position by differential fluid pressure embodied wholly within said end of the cartridge for eifecting release of the blasting charge through said discharge oriiice lland comprising a valve openable in the direction of discharge from said container.

27. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, a discharge orifice at one end of the cartridge, and a differential valve mechanism embodied wholly within said end of the cartridge for effecting release of the blasting charge through said discharge oriiice and comprising a valve openable in the direction of discharge from said container and normally held closed by the charging pressure.

28. In a pre-charged blasting cartridge, a con tainer having a chamber for receiving a blasting charge, a. valve'controlling the discharge of the blasting pressure from said container, a control chamber formed within the discharge end of the cartridge', a piston reciprocable in said control chamber for actuating said valve, means for introducing charging pressure through said control chamber past said piston to said container chamber, said valve being maintained closed by the 1 charging pressure acting on said piston, and means for venting said control chamber to cause the pressure in the container chamber to open said valve thereby to release the blasting charge.

40 29. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, a discharge cap attached to one end of said container. a discharge control valve arranged within said discharge cap for controlling the discharge of the blasting charge and embodying a control chamber in said discharge cap, and a piston reciprocable in said chamber for controlling said valve, said valve being normally maintained closed by the charging pressure in said chamber acting on said piston, and means for venting said chamber to eiiect opening of said valve.

30. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge, a discharge cap secured to one end of said container, and a diii'erential iiuid pressure valve mechanism embodied entirely within said discharge cap and controllable atw will to effect discharge of the blasting charge irrespective of the blasting pressure in said container.

3,1. In a blasting cartridge, a container having a pair of alined chambers for receiving separate gaseous blasting charges, discharge devices for said chambers, respectively, arranged adjacent l the middle p ortion of the cartridge, and means operated by a change in pressure conditions in said cartridge fory effecting simultaneous .release i of said discharge devices.

32. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting chakge, disch rge means for said container embodied within` ne end of the cartridge, means embodied within the same end of the-cartridge for charging said container, and means operable at will irrespective of the pressure within the container for releasing said discharge means.;

33. In a blasting cartridge, a container of relatively rlarge capacity arranged adjacent to but outside of the material to be broken, a conduit communicating with said container and adapted to project within a blast hole drilled in the ma- 5 terial to be broken, discharge means for the container arranged at the inner end of said conduit, and a valve mechanism normally maintained closed by the pressure in the container and movable in the direction of discharge for re- 10 leasing said discharge means.

34. In a blasting cartridge, a pair lof chambers each of which is adapted to receive a blasting. charge, a coupling member for rigidly connecting said chambers, and independent means for conl5 trolling the discharge of the blasting charge from said chambers, at least one of said controlling means being carried by said coupling member.

35. In a blasting cartridge, a pair of chambers each of which is adapted to receive a blasting 20 charge, a coupling member for rigidly connecting said chambers. and means located at the outer end of each of said chambers for effecting release of said blasting charges at the will of the operator. 25

36. In a blasting cartridge, a plurality of chambers each of which is adapted for receiving a blasting charge, and a discharge assembly attached to each chamber, all but one of said discharge assemblies including means for attach- 30 ment to one of the other chambers, whereby all of said chambers are rigidly coupled together.

37. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a fluid charge at blasting pressure and having an orifice through which said charge is 35 released, a differential iiuid pressure controlled valve for retaining the charge in said container and for releasing the charge when a change in the pressure diiferential occurs, controllable venting means carried by the cartridge and op- 40 erable to cause a change in the pressure diil'erential to occur, and fluid operated means for actuating said venting means.

38. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a fluid charge at blasting pressure and 45 having an orifice through which said charge is released, a differential fluid pressure controlled valve for retaining the charge in said container and for releasing the charge when a change in the pressure differential occurs, controllable 60 venting means carried by the cartridge and operable to cause a change in the pressure dierential to occur, said venting means including a check valve, and means for unseating said check Valve at the will of the operator. 65

39. In a blasting cartridge, a container section of relatively large capacity arranged adjacent to but outside of the material to be broken,

a second container section in open communica-- tion with the rst container section and adapted 60 for insertion in a blast hole drilled in the material to be broken, and valve means arranged in the second container section for releasing the blasting charge from said sections into said blast hole.

40. A blasting cartridge comprising a container adapted to be charged with a compressed fluid at blasting pressure, a closure for one Vend of the container, a discharge cap for the opposite end 70 of the container and having a main orice through which the interior of the container may be exhausted, and valve means for governing said orice controlled by fluid pressure and positioned entirely within the discharge cap, said 75 42. In a blasting cartridge, a container for receiving a blasting charge and having a discharge port, an internal supporting portion of reduced diameter with respect to the bore of the container extending inwardly of the discharge end of the container, and means carried by said supporting portion for controlling the discharge of the blasting charge through said port.

RAYMOND W. DULL. 

